ACA on hand to assist Ben Cameron surgery

16 January, 2015
When knee injuries plagued Ben Cameron's cricket career, he never thought that it would lead to serious problems down the track, but with some assistance from the ACA, Ben is now fighting fit again.

Ben's shot-lived first-class career was one clouded with injury. He underwent four knee surgeries with South Australia in a bid to prolong his time as a player, but was forced into retirement at the ripe age of 26.

Midway through 2013 Ben's doctor discovered a cancerous cyst on his knee - a direct result of the damage he had done during his time as a Redback.

"I broke my knee when I was 15. The cyst developed in one of my knees that I have arthritis in and the pain became so unbearable that I had it checked, and that's when they discovered the cyst," he explained.

Although the news wasn't great, the timing was, as the ACA began to offer Personal Health and Wellbeing Grants to former cricketers as a part of the Past Player Game and Personal Development Program.

Ben was quick to jump on-board and take-up the ACA Hospital Support Fund, which helped cover excess costs associated with the surgery that his health fund wouldn't cover.

"To be able to get some assistance from the ACA was fantastic. It's great that the association and the game of cricket is still happy to help me overcome the injuries that I sustained during my career," he said.

The cyst was removed in November and now Ben is well and truly on the road to recovery. As a part of his rehabilitation, he gained additional financial support from the ACA for a gym membership.

"The fact that the ACA is helping fund my post-career fitness is outstanding. I'm not the only member that has benefited from this program," he said.

Financial support is available to ACA members for hospital visits of up to $500.

The Medical Support Fund also provides up to $2000 for significant operations where the expense has been a hurdle or cricket has contributed to the condition being treated.

Ben also has some words of advice for fellow past players who may be looking to utilise similar services that the ACA offers its members.

"One thing to never forget as a past player is that, whatever assistance you need, the first point-of-call needs to be the ACA because they can help you in any area. I'm 33, six years out of the game and they've been nothing short of outstanding in the assistance they've provided me post-retirement."

So far, 30 ACA members have been supported through the Hospital Support fund in season 2013/14, on top of the 388 appearances completed as a part of the Past Player Game and Personal Development Program.

Personal Development Grants have closed and will reopen next financial year. The ACA received 682 registrations in 2013/14 and each member will receive $350.

Please contact your State Coordinator or the ACA Office on (03) 9698 7200 for more information about the Past Player Personal Development Program and ACA Hospital Support Fund.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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